Taghmaconnell

Taughmaconnell[1] or Taghmaconnell (Irish: Teach Mhic Conaill, meaning "MacConaill's house") is a small village in County Roscommon, Ireland. It lies between Athlone and Ballinasloe. It is also the name of the parish in which the village lies.

The majority of people are farmers or work in the large factories and government offices in nearby towns. Ballinasloe is about 5.3 miles away and Athlone is about 6.8 miles away. St Ronan's holy well lies in the middle of the parish and hosts a yearly mass. There are castle ruins to be seen in Castlesampson, Clonbigney and Dundonnell.

According to crime figures released for 2013 Taughmaconnell was deemed to be the safest place to live in Ireland. Just four crimes were reported in the parish for the whole of 2013.

Sport

Notable residents

John G. Downey – the seventh Governor of California from 1860 to 1862 and namesake of Downey, California – was born in Castlesampson, Taughmaconnell in 1827.

Edward B. Butler - broadcast journalist at Shannonside Northern Sound. Was born in Tavanagh, Taughmaconnell in 1991. Sports a fabulous beard. Known locally for his soothing voice and hacking, chesty cough. Roscommon County Council announced in August 1992, their plans to erect a statue of Butler and his beard. As of January 19 2015, no statue has been erected. In July 1995, residents marched the streets in protest to the lack of statue. Several people were injured, with the town mayor losing an eye. Former Taoiseach, John Bruton described the harrowing events as 'a dark day in Irish history'.

See also

Coordinates: 53°24′29″N 8°8′50″W / 53.40806°N 8.14722°W

References